I admit to sometimes being embarrassed at my own incompetence when it comes to fixing things, even small things. I need help opening Amazon boxes.
When repair people come, I call Maria, I have no idea what they are talking about, ever.
Maria is notoriously competitive, from fixing broken windows to plumbing to painting and fixing gates and repairing slate rooftops. She loves her drills and rachets and hammers.
The other day a window slipped down from its position and slammed into the windowsill. I couldn’t budget it, I fled the house and called her from the car. “Oh yes, I know,” she said, “I fixed the window and cleaned it.”
But rust spots were bugging me. I just knew I could fix them.
Every night when I wash the dishes, I look at this rust at the top of our 1952 porcelain sink. It bugs me. Maria said it wasn’t worth fixing, and she said she wasn’t quite sure how she would do it.
Oddly enough, I was sure. I just knew somehow I had to sand it and then put some white enamel paint on it (some rust primer paint first). We went to the hardware store today and the staff there was bewildered. One of the clerks didn’t even know what a porcelain sink was.
The other said he was sure I didn’t have to sand it. I said I was sure, and I bought some sandpaper and primer. The sanding worked well.
I ordered enamel white paint online and did some sanding this afternoon, then put on the first coat of primer, a special pain for rust.
I was proud of the result. Tomorrow, Maria will touch up the green paint on the windowsill, and I’ll tackle the other two or three rust spots in the white cabinets in the kitchen.
“Nice job,” Maria said, and I blushed.
I know this was not a big deal when it comes to replacing slate on the roof or repairing ancient windows. Maria and I both contribute to the farm in our own ways, but I was tickled to be able to find a physical repair project and just do it.
We have to make the most of the moments we have to shine.
I was the handyman of the day.
It’s the little things!
Completing a task that isn’t already in your wheelhouse is always so gratifying. What I’ve found to be most challenging is just starting.
Nice job! Before painting, a bead of caulk along that seam will seal that corner and help to stop the further deterioration of the underlying cast iron. Check out a YouTube video or two to see how to make a clean job of it.
It’s embarrassing when you watch someone else do it and think: “Why didn’t I think of that?” I know when I watch my son do something that seems so complicated and he makes it look so easy. Go for it, Jon. Gotta get your feet wet sometime.
I’m keeping this post, LOL. I also have that type of kitchen sink, and also gave rust. I’d like to try & fix it up! Thanks for the tips!!!!!!!!!
Go for it, Jon!
When we became homeowners, I needed to learn everything from scratch. You’re lucky to have a multi-talented partner.
There was no internet. I learned from “how-to” books, night classes, or calling in a professional and asking lots of questions. And, of course, my own dumb mistakes.
Ironically, my paying job involved the study of physical work. The line workers called me “easy money”. So, completion of any household task was cause for great pride.
Upon receiving a “honey-do,” do what you have to do.
Not sure it would work for your job, Jon, but my grandmother always said Coke worked. Here’s a list of other things that Coke is good for. Make sure to share with Maria! https://www.businessinsider.com/things-to-do-with-coca-cola-diet-coke-2015-5
Get rid of rust: If you have any rust stains or tools covered in rust, Coca-Cola will eat away at the rust for you. Leave the rusty object submerged in Coke for an hour or overnight and then scrub off the rust. … Wet the grout with Coke and let the area sit for a few minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.